The FIFA World Cup ticket ballot for 2026 is now open. As Sky sets out, “The application for the third phase of ticket release, known as the random selection draw, opened at 4pm UK time on 11 December.” That same guidance stresses there is no first‑come, first‑served rush: “The application window will remain open until January 13, 2026.”
Applications are for specific matches. Sky confirms the caps: “Individuals will only be able to buy four tickets per-match and a total of 40 tickets for the entire tournament per-household.” You must have a FIFA ID before you start. Philadelphia’s ABC affiliate 6abc puts it simply: “Fans need to go to FIFA’s ticketing website, and sign up for a FIFA ID.”
After the window closes, the process becomes a lottery. Sky explains: “Once the window closes, FIFA will run a lottery to decide which applications are successful.” Winners should monitor their inbox in early February: “The lucky fans will be notified by email in February and, if they have been allocated tickets, will be charged automatically.” 6abc aligns with that timeline: “FIFA will randomly select applicants in February and allow them to purchase the tickets.”
Scale matters this cycle. Sky reports that “nearly two million tickets have already been snapped up” in earlier phases before the full draw and schedule were public, which makes this ballot the first shot at choosing fixtures with known dates and venues.
How much do FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets cost?
Final face values for this ballot have not been published by FIFA, but Sky summarizes the guidance to date: group‑stage “tickets will start from $60 (£45) in the group stage,” with “the most expensive tickets for the final reaching highs of $6,730 (£5,094).” Hospitality is a different tier altogether, “ranging from $3,500 (£2,604) to $73,200 (£54,467) per person.”
Fans using national‑association pathways get fixed PMA pricing. ESPN cites the Croatian federation’s benchmark for England vs. Croatia in Dallas on June 17: “There are 2,010 Category 3 or value tier tickets available at $265 each (£198) … The standard tier tickets will cost $500 (£373) each … while the premier tickets are $700 (£523) each.” ESPN also notes, “England supporters buying through the official travel club are set to be charged almost £200 for a ticket to the opening World Cup game against Croatia,” and that the “PMA allocation is 4,022 tickets.”
Timeline: what happens after you apply?
- December 11, 2025 (from 4:00 p.m. UK): Ballot opens for applications.
- January 13, 2026: Ballot window closes. Apply any time during the window—no advantage to applying early.
- February 2026: FIFA runs the lottery and contacts successful applicants. 6abc: “FIFA will randomly select applicants in February and allow them to purchase the tickets.”
Remember the limits and ID requirement: up to four tickets per match, 40 total per household, and you need an active FIFA ID before you apply.
Stadiums and local context
Philadelphia is among the host cities. 6abc notes, “Six of those matches will be held at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia.” The tournament spans the United States, Canada, and Mexico and, as Sky frames it, is “set to be the biggest in history.”
Practical tips for fans chasing FIFA tickets
- Submit a range of choices. Build flexibility across dates and cities to increase odds in the random draw.
- Prepare your payment method. Sky notes winners can be “charged automatically,” so keep funds available on the card tied to your application.
- Compare routes. If you qualify for a PMA allocation, weigh fixed PMA pricing (like the Croatian benchmark) versus the main ballot.
- Stick to official channels. Use FIFA systems and official hospitality to avoid fraud and price shocks on unauthorized resale sites.
At a glance: the FIFA ticket essentials
- Ballot opens: December 11, 2025, 4:00 p.m. UK.
- Ballot closes: January 13, 2026; notifications in February 2026.
- Limits: 4 per match; 40 total per household.
- Indicative face values so far: group stage from $60; final up to $6,730; hospitality $3,500–$73,200.
- PMA benchmark (England vs. Croatia, Dallas, June 17): Cat‑3 $265; standard $500; premier $700; 2,010 Cat‑3 seats; total PMA allocation 4,022.
The bottom line for anyone chasing FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets: apply within the window, lock in a sensible range of fixtures, and keep an eye on PMA options if you are eligible. With nearly two million tickets already distributed in earlier phases, this ballot is the clearest path to your seat.
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